Linda’s experience with hospice began early in her 44-year nursing career when she was a home health nurse caring for hospice patients.She found her passion in meeting their needs during one of the most important times in their lives. During the early days of the AIDS crisis, she worked extensively with patients maximizing their comfort level during their final life-phase.Linda then shifted to nursing education where she spent the next twenty years teaching new nurses and other healthcare professionals with a curriculum emphasizing optimal hospice service delivery. After recently moving to Port Townsend, it seemed a natural fit to join the Hospice Foundation where she looks forward to making a difference in her new community.

MaryAnn‘s heart has belonged to non-profit groups since a teenager as a hospital “candy striper”. Her roles have varied from board member, consultant to volunteer. She is a past president of the Hospice Foundation. She became an advocate for hospice care after participating in a seminar with Dr. Elizabeth Kubler Ross in 1981. “I will forever be grateful for the compassionate hospice care given to my mother and husband as they lived through the final chapters of their life.”

Shirley retired in 2000 from her position as Clinical Specialist and manager in Oncology. Throughout her 40-year nursing career, she has advocated and provided information for patients and their families facing life threatening diseases. Currently, she volunteers to help friends and family with their choices facing these same life events.

Deborah joined the Jefferson Healthcare Hospice Staff in 2003 and serves on the board as an ex-officio member. As a recipient of Hospice services for family members and as a staff member, she has seen the difference the Hospice Foundation makes to patients and families by funding community education, extra services, programs and specialized comfort treatments.

Rachel is a retiree from the world of counseling and education, where her last position at UW Medical School involved educating healthcare professionals in communication skills. She has been involved in research projects focused on hospice and palliative care, and is an experienced teacher for professionals working with dying and their families. Her professional experiences along with her personal family experience with hospice services propel her interests to serve on the Foundation’s Board. Happily retired, along with her husband, in Port Townsend, Rachel is very pleased with the opportunity to help educate our community on the merits of hospice care in support of the Jefferson Healthcare Hospice Program.